Category:Featured | The Fireside Post
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Featured

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NASA – Visualization of Global Warming

Imagine Pat Robertson and NASA agreeing on anything.  The anti-scientist and the pure manifestation of science are on the same page.  Pat Robertson recently spoke on Global Warming on the 700 Club television spectacle, saying, They are defending the society. But I tell you stay in doors ladies and gentleman. Stay cool. Get fans or […]

30Jan2012 | | Comments Off on NASA – Visualization of Global Warming | Continued
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The Coming Culture of Mean-Spirited Dissent

Mean-spirited dissent has replaced statesmanship as a guiding principle.  The maddening downward spiral of political retribution has become the norm.  The madness is magnified and given inertia in direct correlation to the speed of modern communications and the unleashing of vast amounts of money in SuperPacs.  There is no time for thoughtful reflection.  Every encounter […]

29Jan2012 | | 4 comments | Continued
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Three Wise Men and One Virgin

You can’t make this stuff up.  I have heard that before – but these guy made this stuff up:  Jay Leno said, “The Supreme Court has ruled that they cannot have a nativity scene in Washington, D.C. This wasn’t for any religious reasons. They couldn’t find three wise men and a virgin.”  Sometimes the comedians […]

24Dec2011 | | Comments Off on Three Wise Men and One Virgin | Continued
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Returning to the “Good Old Days” of Conservatives

We have to ask:  What exactly doe conservatives mean when they say things like ‘we need to return to the days of common sense’?  We found some old advertisements which may point to the more specific intentions. These advertisements came by way of an email.  You know the kind – blanket the world with propaganda […]

18Jul2011 | | Comments Off on Returning to the “Good Old Days” of Conservatives | Continued
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Why We Continue to Support Our President

President Obama had a news conference last week.  He talked sincerely about the state of our economy.  We agree with him.  We believe that the partisan politics in Washington is as responsible for the down economy as any other given factor. We really do find ourselves in a chicken-and-egg scenario. Current budget projections are based […]

2Jul2011 | | 3 comments | Continued
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A Father Reflects on Father’s Day

Father’s Day.  A day for celebrating our fathers, and a day for fatherly reflection.  I am in the later category today.  I was not a particularly good father when my children were small – and that gives one pause for reflection. Young and foolish, temperamental and energetic, smart and dumb-as-nails, motivated and selfish, educated yet […]

19Jun2011 | | Comments Off on A Father Reflects on Father’s Day | Continued
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Everything Happens For A Reason

Have you ever heard anyone say, “Everything happens for a reason?”  I have.  And I just shake my head in wonder.  It seems that people need some assurance that someone or something is in control – if not themselves.  What do you suppose was the ‘reason’ for the shooting of Representative Giffords?  I surely do […]

9Jun2011 | | 6 comments | Continued
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The Romantic Ideal – Flawed Thinking or Good Old Optimism?

The good guy gets the good girl – and conversely the good girl gets the good guy.  Bad guys always lose.  High moral standards, good character, hard work, and unwavering principles always find victory.  Bad governments do not endure while noble governments prevail.  The era of romantic literature has revisited modernity – with predictable disastrous […]

28May2011 | | Comments Off on The Romantic Ideal – Flawed Thinking or Good Old Optimism? | Continued
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NFL Dispute – Three Parties: Owners, Players, Public

The NFL Labor dispute is really aggravating.  Such a labor dispute might be none of our business – except we the public are heavily invested in the NFL.  There are times in our history when labor disputes have so directly impacted the public at large that our government has been forced to intervene.  Think of […]

24May2011 | | Comments Off on NFL Dispute – Three Parties: Owners, Players, Public | Continued
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A Lax Regulatory Culture

Law, regulation, rules, structure, order, justice, fairness, equality – whatever we call the excretion of government – some of us will agree and some will not. From the Code of Hammurabi to the speed limits in Punkin Center, Missouri, rules have given structure and order to the culture of mankind.  Hammurabi, as noted in the […]

23Apr2011 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Birther Bullstuff, Obama, Trump

Donald Trump with Meridith Vieira – This episode is a tragedy of American Journalism. Vieira let Trump ramble around without challenge. NBC should step up, as a network that claims professional journalism, and correct this travesty of justice. It is a travesty because millions of people get their world view from the NBC Today Show […]

7Apr2011 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Treachery On The Trail To The Presidency

Every four years scores of people venture out on the trail to the Presidency.  Ultimately only one will finish the journey – will reach the goal.  There is danger at every turn.  One false step and the candidacy can be doomed.  Some recover from a slip or a slide – some perish, dashed on the […]

26Mar2011 | | Comments Off on Treachery On The Trail To The Presidency | Continued
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The Obama Doctrine – Think, Feel, Act

There is a new sheriff in town.  He has decided to round up the rascals in Lybia.  President Obama is not inclined to act on feelings of insecurity – as we witnessed in the immediate past Administration.  Presidential Doctrine has been a subject of debate for about as long as there have been Presidents.  We […]

20Mar2011 | | 2 comments | Continued
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Japan 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami (Video)

Tragedy is unfolding as we type.  The fifth largest earthquake ever recorded, 8.9 on Richter Scale, struck Japan about eight hours ago.  Youtube has become a conduit for video information.  Here are several examples of the results of the Japan quake. Tsunami: More Tsunami: Another view: The following video may be the most comprehensive: The […]

11Mar2011 | | Comments Off on Japan 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami (Video) | Continued
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AA and Addiction Treatment Have Failed Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen is in the news – again – and his choice of words directly reflects the misguided efforts of contemporary addition treatment.  These efforts do not address psychological health – but rather demand conformity to some loosely defined notion of ‘proper society’ or of  ‘Christian values’ or of something called ‘spiritual health’.  This addiction […]

2Mar2011 | | 2 comments | Continued
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Let The Wild Man Out

I don’t mean to be chauvinistic – but this post is about men in particular.  More specifically, how do boys become men?  There are many ideas – participate in sports, become an Eagle Scout, join the military, go to college, get a job and get married and have children – these events will make men […]

28Feb2011 | | Comments Off on Let The Wild Man Out | Continued
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From Egypt To Wisconsin – Protests Were Inevitable

Form the earliest times of humans organizing into tribes the leaders were aware of simple realities: Throw a few crumbs to the masses – enough to feed their children – and you could stay in power.  Deny the masses and suffer protest and eventual stripping of power. Government leaders across the globe – from Egypt […]

20Feb2011 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Finding Meaning in the National Debate About Debt

We have had a major crisis in our house recently that started with a heated conversation about our budget, and I thought that I would share the events that led to our household meltdown so that we might learn from my mistakes and apply those lessons to our national debate about money. It was budget […]

18Feb2011 | | Comments Off on Finding Meaning in the National Debate About Debt | Continued
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A View From Egypt

The firesidepost.com has no concrete position on the present happenings in Egypt – Only because we do not have enough information or insight into the present day problems.  We are happy however to present information from others that we find reasonable and thoughtful: This post was taken from islamreview.com. Written by Tawfik Hamid I was […]

30Jan2011 | | Comments Off on A View From Egypt | Continued
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Investing Our Self In A Cause

When we completely invest ourselves in any cause we risk our sanity.  From religion to politics to civil rights to social justice – to being employed in a noble profession – any cause can be consuming.  Problems come when we identify ourselves in the context of the cause.  We risk losing touch with social norms.  […]

14Jan2011 | | Comments Off on Investing Our Self In A Cause | Continued
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Respecting Farmer John, And Others With Whom We Disagree

The political climate in 2010 America makes for tough friendships.  Actually, the problem rests with widespread, instantaneous information that is neither accurate nor useful.  We at thefiresidepost.com write opinion.   We are right up front about our process.  We do not uncover secret plots by Muslims breeding like rabbits and take over the world by shear […]

14Oct2010 | | Comments Off on Respecting Farmer John, And Others With Whom We Disagree | Continued
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President Obama Teaches Kindergarten

President Obama is like a Kindergarten teacher – patiently bringing his pupils along.  We the pupils are not so patient.  This reminds me of a story about one of my grandchildren. Jubilum is one of the younger children in my growing family.  She is as sharp as a whip, quick as a snap, curious as […]

27Sep2010 | | 4 comments | Continued
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Islam’s Double Standard

Bias statement:  Most people think of me as a liberal.  And if I had to categorize myself I would agree.  But this post probably would not be held in high esteem by the liberal elite.  Why?  Because this post is all about the bias of the main stream media (MSM for the radical right).  The […]

11Sep2010 | | 3 comments | Continued
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Inside The Minds of Rednecks – And Consequences

I recently had breakfast and invested my Saturday morning with a Redneck.  It was not his idea.  My truck needed repair and I wanted a sure fix.  A sure fix that did not cost me a bundle of anxiety and an empty pocket book.  (Pocket Book is a funny term).  I’ll call my Redneck friend […]

24Aug2010 | | 29 comments | Continued
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Youth Violence – Not Just Fight or Flight

Mark Twain used youth violence as a humorous anecdote necessary to the maturing process of young boys. In The Adventures of Tom Sawyer two boys (one is Tom) confront each other on the street; they taunt, tease, dare, and then scuffle. Tom is victorious when the other boy cries ’nuff!’ Not one sociologist at the time raised a stink about Twain’s portrayal of youth violence.

22Aug2010 | | 3 comments | Continued
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Searching for Honesty and Integrity in Nationally Known Politicians

Sometimes I just write satire, or just sarcasm.   The folly of national politics seems somehow unworthy of serious commentary.  But however foolish the politicians seem – the business of our government is serious.  Real people are directly and immediately impacted by political decisions.  Real wars are fought.  Real soldiers die.  Real debt is incurred.   Generations […]

16Aug2010 | | 2 comments | Continued
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Hello, My Name is John Boehner And I Am An Addicted Politician

Oh! My! GOD!  I said it.  I actually accepted responsibility for my atrocious public service.  I am an addicted politician.  Like many others I thought I could control myself.  My hopes for the future of my golf game depended on my control over my tan – but again, vanity won and here I am.  I […]

9Aug2010 | | 10 comments | Continued
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Religious Tolerance Is An Oxy-Moron, Let The Spitting Begin

It seems the very definition of religion would deny tolerance.  What are some words that are synonymous with religion?  Superstition?  Superhuman?  Faith?  Grace?  Devotion?  Ritual?  Or phrases:  Fundamental set of beliefs?  A Particular set of beliefs?  Ritual observance of faith?  Strict faithfulness?  Deep conviction?  Which of these words or phrases represent tolerance?  None! The inherent […]

4Aug2010 | | Comments Off on Religious Tolerance Is An Oxy-Moron, Let The Spitting Begin | Continued
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A Soldier’s Funeral, A Sour War

We Americans should never forget the cost of War. And the death of a soldier warrants more than an incremental ticker on Page Two B

22Jul2010 | | 2 comments | Continued
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Mel Gibson to Lead Tea Party

Actor, Director, Producer Mel Gibson is negotiating terms to take over leadership of the Tea Party in America.  Every candidate must demonstrate proper character traits consistent with Tea Party advocates.   Candidates must be willing to demonstrate these character traits in a very public manner – there should be no sense of shame or fear of […]

14Jul2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Education Reform Must Include Helping Abused Children

From Ohg Rea Tone: The downturn in the world economy has resulted in lost revenues for many government bodies – including drastic cuts to local education.  Most school districts are forced to evaluate their processes, to cut waste, to redefine their mission – essentially reforming old methods of education.  The most important asset of any […]

10Jul2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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U. S. Postal Stamp Price Increase – Who Suffers?

This past week the United States Postal Service announced plans to raise the price of a postage stamp by $.02.  What is two cents?  Two Cents is virtually nothing to most of us.  But to those who depend on the Postal Service that two cents can be an increasing burden on an already difficult life.  […]

9Jul2010 | | Comments Off on U. S. Postal Stamp Price Increase – Who Suffers? | Continued
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Of Wars and Politics – Patraeus and Obama

War is a mystic business.   Mystic because there seems some supernatural quality required for agreement on strategy.  September 11, 2001, defined a moment – a moment of political cohesion.  Pearl Harbor served that role in WWII.  The Lusitania was the protagonist in WWI.  The battleship Maine served the focal point of the Spanish American War […]

7Jul2010 | | 2 comments | Continued
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The Short End of The Regulation Stick

The hard earned emotions of our life influence our thoughts.  They distract us from our initial purpose.   I often begin a post and when finished I have to change the title to reflect the actual post – the burr under my saddle led me off course.  Many of us have burrs under our saddles that […]

5Jul2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Seichel – The Fourth Dimension

Seichel – a Yiddish word with a variety of meanings, a variety of definitions – but essentially implying wisdom.  That may not help much in understanding seichel because the word “Wisdom” is not universally understood.  My take is this:  Wisdom is a state of being, a state of being that adds the fourth dimension to […]

15Jun2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Summer Camp For Grandchildren

Folks, readers of thefiresidepost.com,  I am busy.  Three of my grandchildren are coming every day for two weeks.  I am relearning some things, and learning some things for the first time, about raising children.  One thing is certain – I am busy and have little time to think grand thoughts and write witty posts – […]

8Jun2010 | | 6 comments | Continued
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Problems With Oil Leaks – Call A Redneck

From the AP (Anything Possible), Punkin Center, Missouri. Most every morning the boys meet at the General Store to solve the world problems.  No problem is too big for a certified Redneck.  And the General Store gang is composed of certified Rednecks.  The Store has a garage out back – some call it a shade […]

5Jun2010 | | Comments Off on Problems With Oil Leaks – Call A Redneck | Continued
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The Cold Blooded, Calculated, Leadership of President Obama

President Obama is a surprise to almost everyone.  From his emotionally charged dynamic election speeches to his staggering military assault on terrorist supporters in Afghanistan – Barack Obama has proven that he can and will make tough decisions.  His decisions are not based on emotion, not based on Democratic Party platforms, and not based on […]

2Jun2010 | | 2 comments | Continued
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Ron and Rand Paul are Dead Wrong

Son, Ron Paul brings an interesting perspective to the political conversation.  He is wrong, Dead Wrong.  Ron Paul does not understand the process of government. He does understand that there are serious problems with the manner in which our present Federal Government is being run.  But that alone does not make him correct. I think […]

2Jun2010 | | 9 comments | Continued
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Please Don’t Profile My Pit Bull

Profiling is an act of discrimination.  Discrimination is the act of stereotyping, of generalizing, of lumping all the coal in one bucket.  There are laws in America against discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, ethnicity, physical ability, mental ability, height, weight, and color of eyes.  Anywhere discrimination exists the Federal Government is there to […]

28May2010 | | Comments Off on Please Don’t Profile My Pit Bull | Continued
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Confusing Borders, Boundaries, and the American Comfort Level

From Ohg Rea Tone: People sometimes drift into my personal space.  I generally enjoy people so my personal space does not extend as far as the reach of my arm.  When I shake hands I am likely to pull the other person close, look them in the eye, and measure their sincerity.  The enigma of […]

26May2010 | | 10 comments | Continued
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Writing as a tool of personal development

My son and I began this magazine almost three years past.  I have personally written over eleven hundred (1,100) posts.  That is more than one a day.  Why would anyone do such a goofy thing?  I write because I am compelled to write.  Every thought that crosses my mind must be written – and examined.  […]

22May2010 | | Comments Off on Writing as a tool of personal development | Continued
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Sins of Our Father – and Other Life Prejudices

At some point in each or our lives we have to ask ourselves – who am I?  Social order forces the question.  We cannot live a complete life without someone challenging at least one of our belief systems – and often our entire concept of proper culture.  Prejudices must be examined and rethought – for […]

22May2010 | | Comments Off on Sins of Our Father – and Other Life Prejudices | Continued
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Obama Derangement Syndrome Leads to Politicians Anonymous

America started down the path of deranged politics about twenty years before the United States Constitution was baptized as a non-religious document.  With independence declared and a new country emerging the political debate began.  Some wanted the new CEO of The United States to be a monarch – an official King.  Some said Emperor.  Reason […]

20May2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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New Congressional By-laws To Change Government Process

Just about everyone in the United States agrees that there is a problem in Washington, D. C.  Some blame the Democrats, some the Republicans.  Some blame liberals, some conservatives.  Anyone placing this sort of blame is a part of the problem.  What the partisans fail to realize is that we are all on the same […]

19May2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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The Gulf Oil Spill is the Dust Bowl of the Gulf States

Another catastrophe of man made destruction has struck the Gulf of Mexico – threatening the coastal region with chaos.  Chaos to both nature and human economics.  One goofy GOP Congressman stated that nature would absorb the oil – not to worry.  The Dust Bowl of the 1930’s ravaged the Midwest but nature eventually reclaimed the […]

10May2010 | | 3 comments | Continued
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The Right to Privacy In America

With the imminent retirement of Justice Stevens another Justice will be appointed – by the President with advice and consent of the Senate.  The Supreme Court is the third branch of government, charged with looking over the other two to insure the boundaries of the Constitution are not violated.  This is no simple task in […]

9May2010 | | Comments Off on The Right to Privacy In America | Continued
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Obama’s American Revolution – 2010

We are ready.  We are ready for change.  We are ready for a Revolution. The American people have already demonstrated a powerful desire for revolution.  Witness the elections of 2006 and 2008.   Democrats have registered to vote in historic numbers.  Barack Obama – a relative unknown – won because he represented the best chance […]

9May2010 | | Comments Off on Obama’s American Revolution – 2010 | Continued
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America is the Definition of Cosmopolitan

Everything about America that is considered great and wonderful is the result of the melding of cultural ideals brought here by immigrants. People across this country enjoy Mexican Restaurants – as long as there are no actual Mexicans in the place.

8May2010 | | Comments Off on America is the Definition of Cosmopolitan | Continued
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Nashville 2010: The Day the Music Died

A long, long time ago… I can still remember How that music used to make me smile. And I knew if I had my chance That I could make those people dance And, maybe, they’d be happy for a while. I don’t have cable.  My family does not value the television enough to pay that […]

7May2010 | | Comments Off on Nashville 2010: The Day the Music Died | Continued